Bluegrass Double-Header with East Nash Grass and The Po' Ramblin' Boys
The Crossroads of Bluegrass as The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys named Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree’s 2025 Blue Blaze Winner
02.20.2025 - Even on a cold winter night, the heart of Bluegrass music beats strongly in Smithville, Tennessee, where the Harvester Event Center has transformed into a vibrant hub, a life-size snow globe of talent and celebration. With snowflakes gracefully floating down, the warmth of hot Bluegrass inside a packed house, music lovers gathered to enjoy the magic of this beloved musical art form. The Harvester Event Center buzzed with excitement as fans of all ages came together to appreciate these two remarkable bands. As the night unfolded, it was clear that the spirit of Bluegrass was alive and well in Smithville, serving as a reminder of the rich musical traditions that have been nurtured in the Upper Cumberland and Highland Rim regions for over 200 years.
On this special evening, Smithville played host to a double-header featuring two rising stars of the Bluegrass scene: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys and East Nash Grass. The atmosphere was electric as these talented bands took the stage, each bringing their unique sound and style to the forefront. East Nash Grass, recognized by the International Bluegrass Music Association as the Best New Artist for 2024, showcased their exceptional skills and charisma, fronted by the dynamic James Kee. With an All-Star lineup that includes Grand Master Fiddle Champion Maddie Denton, Corey Walker on banjo, Harry Clark on mandolin, and bassist Jeff Partin, you’ve got a powerhouse leader of the next generation in Bluegrass excellence.
The savvy and ease of ENG to move from rhythm and chord changes back again, all while maneuvering around a group of microphones takes skill and the inflections of Walker and Clark melding these two instruments to make joy while Partin held it all together on bass. The icing on the cake is the blended intricacies of Kee’s guitar that boosted Denton and her out-front vibe. The East Nash Grass is a team – a well-oiled and entertaining experience…and the best part, they are having FUN and the discerning audience at The Harv knows this. Love us and we will love you back!
The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree was on display in the Harvester's International Hall…both bands have deep roots in the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, a cherished event that celebrates the traditions of Bluegrass music in Tennessee. Maddie Denton, a past winner of the Jamboree’s Master Fiddle competition, and East Nash Grass, who received the Blue Blaze Award in 2023, have each made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Bluegrass music.
In fact, after The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys finished their set on The Flatwoods Stage, James Kee intercepted them and told the audience what an honor it is to be part of the Smithville music scene. This was just enough pause for Smithville Jamboree Board Member, Alex Woodward, to step on the stage and announce: The 2025 Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree Blue Blaze Award Winner…The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys! Tammy Judkins presented the trophy along with Alex while Jamboree President Kim Driver Luton looked on. How thrilled we are to celebrate our heritage and traditions of music right here in Smithville, Tennessee…The Crossroads of Bluegrass.
The Po Ramblin Boys, hailing from the breathtaking Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, brought their own flair to the night. Frontman CJ Lewandowski (mandolin) from St Louis, Missouri, is the epitome of a showman, someone who immediately connects with the audience while the all-star band showed out: Max Silverstein (fiddle) and long, tall Jasper Lorenzo (bass), who resides just down the road in Smith County, brought stature and fun, while Jereme Brown (banjo) and John Gooding (guitar), smoothly transitioned from original songs to standards we all know and love…this band pushes the boundaries of Bluegrass while honoring its roots. Their latest release, Wanders Like Me, reflects their modern take on classic Bluegrass tunes, captivating the audience with their innovative sound.
Watching and listening to the conversations throughout the evening, one message that really resonated with the audience and captured the essence of what makes the Bluegrass community so special in Smithville, Tennessee - it speaks from the heart, and speaking from the heart is a powerful way to connect with others, especially in a place where the music is deeply rooted in the local culture and environment.
The authenticity of both bands was evident in the technical prowess of seasoned musicians that can play with emotion and technique and the experience of the audiences is that your soul is stirred down to the core, the roots! That's what Bluegrass is, its the roots that tie us to the soil, the agrarian lifestyle, the water and the trees and the love for one another: high lonesome sounds that highlight the importance of community and the shared love for Bluegrass music. It is a blessing to showcase this talent in our hometown, creating a space where people can come together to celebrate their passion for Americana and Bluegrass. The connection to the land, the water, and the air of Middle Tennessee adds a unique layer to the music, making it even more meaningful as it's a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memorie right here in Smithville, Tennessee…The Crossroads of Bluegrass.
Whether you’re a longtime Bluegrass enthusiast or a newcomer drawn in by the vibrant energy of live music, this evening promised to be an unforgettable experience. The combination of top-notch performances, the charm of Smithville, and the beauty of winter created a magical atmosphere that celebrated the enduring legacy of Bluegrass music.
Another great tradition that started at The Burlap Room was a tree giveaway from Bert Driver Nursery, also located here in Smithville, Tennessee. Pink Muhly Grass went to winner David Hawk and Dwarf Alberts Spruce to winner Alivia Jared. And congrats to Do615’s winner for a pair of tix to the show, Kimberly Wilson!
With events like these, the future of Bluegrass looks bright, and the Harvester Event Center stands as a beacon of creativity and talent in the heart of Tennessee. Don't miss the chance to witness the best in Bluegrass; it’s an experience that resonates long after the final notes have been played.
Thanks Dave’s Old Fashioned Burger for setting up on West Main Street for the evening, along with our masters of sound Phil Stafford and Mike Weitzell, in-house photographer Matt Antoniak, videographer Micah Atkinson, utility player Jake Nokes, building manager/security David, door/tickets and security Ross, caterer Tami Studer, and our fabulous bartenders Holly, Eschelle, and Ava.
More Chattanooga Bluegrass comes our way at our 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Randy Steele and High Cold Wind and Wild Bill and the Bruisers at the Harvester on Friday, 3/14, then and 1838 Restoration Project to Benefit the Smithville Town Cemetery at the Harvester on Thursday, 3/20, and Grammy Award Winner Pam Tillis with Phillip Lammonds at the Harvester on Wednesday, 4/2! Stay up-to-date with all the events in the Bert Driver Network (Nursery, Burlap Room, and the Harvester) by signing up for our ‘The Local Vibe Newsletter - released the first Tuesday of the month, straight to your inbox! And don’t forget the Harvester is for rent: corporate events and parties, weddings, receptions, graduations, baby showers, or whatever you’re celebrating, we host ‘em all! Contact us for more information, and check us out on Wedding Wire or The Knot!
